Sangita @ Rekha Sambhaji Malode vs The State Of Maharashtra
- Neutral2018 INSC 808
Ratio decidendi
The rule this decision rests on
The sentence of imprisonment imposed under Section 306 I.P.C. may be reduced on grounds of personal and family circumstances peculiar to the offender, including that she is a married woman residing separately from the extended family, has dependent children, and has already undergone a substantial portion of the sentence, even where the conviction itself is not disturbed.
Written by Miss Lucy from the judgment below, not taken from a headnote.
Judgment
As delivered
NON-REPORTABLE IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
CRIMINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
Criminal Appeal No(s). 899 of 2009
SANGITA @ REKHA SAMBHAJI MALODE Appellant(s)
VERSUS
THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA Respondent(s)
J U D G M E N T
BANUMATHI, J.:
(1) The appellant, who is the sister-in-law of the deceased-
Surekha, has been convicted for the offence under Section 498-A
and Section 306 I.P.C. read with Section 34 I.P.C. and was
sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a period of two years and
five years respectively (to run concurrently). Vasant, brother
of the appellant and husband of the deceased-Surekha, was also
convicted for the same offences and is said to have already
undergone the sentence of imprisonment imposed upon him.
Signature Not Verified (2) Digitally signed by MAHABIR SINGH Date: 2018.09.14 By the order of this Court dated 20th February, 2009 notice 17:34:26 IST Reason:
was issued limited only to the quantum of sentence. 2
(3) Mr. Sushil Karanjkar, learned counsel appearing for the
appellant, has submitted that the appellant being a married
lady and by and large has been residing only with her husband
at Nasik is having two grown up children to be taken care and
her family.
(4) The occurrence was of the year 2002. The appellant is
said to have undergone one year ten months and ten days, out of
the total imprisonment imposed upon her.
(5) Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the
sentence of imprisonment of five years imposed upon the
appellant for the offence under Section 306 I.P.C. is reduced
to a period of two years.
(6) The appeal is allowed in part accordingly.
(7) We make it clear that the reduction of sentence is in the
peculiar facts and circumstances of the present case and the
same may not be treated as precedent. The appeal is
accordingly disposed of.
(8) The appellant is to surrender to custody within a period
of four weeks to serve the remaining sentence failing which she
shall be taken to custody.
3
(9) A copy of this order be sent to the concerned trial court
for necessary action.
..........................J. (R. BANUMATHI)
..........................J. (INDIRA BANERJEE) NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 12, 2018.
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